50 per cent of Malaysian adults at risk of poor bone health
About 50 per cent of Malaysian adults are at risk of poor bone health, which can potentially lead to bone diseases such as osteoporosis.
This was revealed at an event held by Anlene, in conjunction with World Osteoporosis Day.
In addition, weak muscle strength is prevalent in one out of every three Malaysian adults. This was discovered through a series of mobility checks through roadshows held by Anlene since May 2022.
Fonterra Brands Malaysia and Singapore general manager Ganesh Thiagarajan said the results from the mobility checks highlights a concerning trend of low awareness among Malaysians towards the significance of bone health, emphasising the pressing need to tackle mobility-related risks in our nation.
"At Anlene, we firmly believe that promoting preventive measures against osteoporosis can significantly reduce its prevalence within our population.
"Our goal is to enable individuals to proactively embrace the vitality of their bones, joints, and muscles and to keep them in good condition to stay active as long as they can," he said.
A person's bone health and muscle strength was scanned on a non-invasive screening device
"We would place your foot in the slot, two small "balloons" that gently squeeze both sides of your heels, and in less than a minute, it assess if you are at low, moderate or high risk of osteoporosis," he said.
He also added that muscle grip tests was conducted to measure muscle strength based on age and gender.
"Grip strength is critical for the most basic movements in life such as opening jars, carrying groceries, or simply turning a doorknob," he said.
THE GOOD NEWS
Meanwhile, Columbia Asia Hospital, Puchong consultant orthopedic surgeon Dr Paisal Hussin said bone related diseases such as osteoporosis is preventable.
"Therefore, caring for your bone health from a young age is paramount.
"By taking proactive steps to strengthen our bones today, we can secure more healthier and resilient future,” he stressed.
Fonterra Brands Malaysia assistant nutrition manager Liew Yen Lee said taking care of the bones, joints, and muscles begins with lifestyle choices that require both regular exercise as well as a balanced diet.
" Engaging in regular exercise not only promotes strong bones but also strengthens the muscles that support them.
"Pairing this with a balanced diet that is rich in calcium, vitamin D, protein, and other crucial nutrients is equally important,” she said.
Throughout the month of October, Anlene will also organise its Anlene Mobility Check roadshows across various Aeon outlets. There will be complimentary bone scans and muscle strength tests available to all Malaysians.
